The month of Muharram is the first in the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four holy months of the year, during which no conflict is permitted. After Ramadan, it is regarded as the second holiest month. The Day of Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram. It is a period of mourning where the Muslim community commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA), the son of Hazrat Ali and grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him.

In the whole month of Muharram, the 9th and 10th of Muharram hold a high significance. 9th Muharram is the night when the family of Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) faced a lot of difficulties. Muslim community holds the Ashura event on the 10th of Muharram. This was the day in history that is still alive in the hearts of millions and will be till the day of Judgement. On this day the battle of Karbala happened and Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) sacrificed his life and his innocent family, a Sacred family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH, to serve a greater cause. It is highly recommended to fast as much as possible, during the month of Muharram. The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said,

‘The best fasting after Ramadan is the Sacred Month of Allah (Muharram)’ (Muslim Bukhari)

Every year, with the advent of Muharram, we are reminded of the great battle that took place 1376 years ago, in the year 61 AH, in a barren, hot desert of Iraq, a land of misery and calamity. It took place between the forces of truth and fallacy. Misconception about religion was on the rise, while in the forefront of the truth, there were few exceptional people, whose maximum number was less than 200. They faced the agony of hunger, the intensity of thirst, and the visible brutal death ahead in the baren cruel land of Karbala.

By refusing to swear allegiance to an oppressive ruler almost fourteen centuries ago, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) not only set a shining example for those who stand for truth and truthfulness but also set a clear path for them to follow, for future generations. And if there is no room for it, the sacrifices of Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA) and his family have left the human mind still amazed at how nerve-wracking different tribes, families, and People of different ages and temperaments, including children, youth, and the elderly, came together to unite and give their precious lives for a common cause and purpose.

The incident of Karbala gives courage to the weak, strength to the oppressed,  and faith in Allah Almighty. The memory of this great event of truth against falsehood is celebrated with great fervor. If we claim to be true followers of Islam and have faith and devotion to our Beloved Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (RA), then we have to change our current attitude. We have to protect our feet from poisonous thorns. The best way to commemorate and pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala is to present yourself as a single nation and eradicate oppression and injustice from your society. This was also the goal of Karbala that man should wake up, speak for the oppressed, learn to die with dignity in front of the oppressor. This is the message that the event of Karbala gives us, and that is why, almost a thousand and a half years later, Karbala is still alive today and will remain alive forever.

"Islam is Muhammadi in terms of establishment and Husseini in terms of survival." 

“Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. Allah loves, who loves Hussain.” Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)  

(SUNAN TARMEDI)

Jaageer.com